This thesis, written in 1998, by Dr. Carl T. Bogus of Roger Williams University School of Law (Bristol, RI), may be of even greater interest today, in light of the current gun safety and control debate. This historical perspective of the second amendment, while totally logical in the context of American history, is rarely, if ever mentioned in contemporary discussions of the amendment. Of particular note are the concepts of a ‘well regulated militia’, and ‘collective’ vs. ‘individual‘ rights to keep and bear arms. It is a riveting, though lengthy read, so you’ll need some extra time to digest this one.